Lenovo recalls ThinkPad batteries for fire hazard

Lenovo is recalling certain ThinkPad battery packs that could be a fire hazard due to overheating, which could ultimately also lead to computer damage.

Lenovo is recalling certain ThinkPad battery packs that could be a fire hazard due to overheating, which could ultimately also lead to computer damage.

The recall applies to 34,500 batteries sold in the U.S. and 2,900 batteries sold in Canada, said the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in a statement.

The company also recalled 117,732 units in China, according to a Xinhua news report Thursday.

The battery packs are in the ThinkPad Edge 11, 13 and 14 series laptops, and also T410, T420, T510, W510, X100e, X120e, X200, X201 and X201s laptops sold between October 2010 through April 2011. Batteries eligible for recall were also sold separately for between US$80 and $150.

Lenovo received two reports of battery packs overheating, which led to computer and property damage, CPSC said.

Lenovo has established a Web page so users can determine if their battery is being recalled. Otherwise recalled battery packs can be identified through part numbers starting with the fourth digit on a white sticker below the bar code. The identifiable numbers are 42T4695, 42T4711, 42T4798, 42T4804, 42T4812, 42T4822, 42T4828, 42T4834, 42T4840 and 42T4890.

The battery recall Web page provides phone numbers that users can call for replacements. Lenovo said replacements will ship within three days.